Traffic Tip: Vehicle turning left

Sept. 17, 2011 at 4:17 a.m.

By Julian Huerta

This week's traffic law is found in The Texas Transportation Code,

Sec. 545.152.

Vehicle turning left. To turn left at an intersection or into an alley or private road or driveway, an operator shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is in the intersection or in such proximity to the intersection as to be an immediate hazard.

Why the emphasis on this particular traffic law?

It has been noticed lately that some people who are turning left are not waiting for the person opposite them who are turning right to clear the intersection, before they start their left turn.

This is not only against the law; it's also a traffic hazard. Many times people assume that the vehicle that is turning right will continue its forward momentum; it may not.

If the vehicle turning right has car trouble and stalls out, or just has to stop for something or someone in its path, the other vehicle has no place to go. The intersection would be clogged up due to the ensuing crash or just blocked in general by the impatient left turner.

This law has been covered before, but it bears repeating. Save yourself the aggravation of a crash and all the related issues that go with it, including a citation for failing to yield the right of way.

Drive smart and defensively.

The Victoria Police Department Traffic Safety Unit reminds you to drive safe. The life you save may be your own.

If you have a traffic law question, contact Sgt. Julian Huerta, Victoria Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, at 361-485-3700.